Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 25/02/2026
Subject: Chemistry
Lesson Topic: Describe the relationship between group number and the charge of the ions formed from elements in that group
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe how the group number determines the typical charge of ions formed by main‑group elements.
  • Explain why metals lose electrons and non‑metals gain electrons to achieve a noble‑gas configuration.
  • Predict the ion charge for any element in groups 1, 2, 13, 15, 16, or 17 using its group number.
  • Apply the trend to solve short problems on ion formation.
Materials Needed:
  • Periodic table poster or digital slide
  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Worksheet with element groups and ion‑charge tables
  • Projector for displaying slides and examples
  • Set of element cards for quick grouping activity
Introduction:
Begin with a quick think‑pair‑share: “If you were an atom, would you rather lose or gain electrons?” Connect this to prior work on valence electrons and tell students they will be able to predict ion charges from group numbers by the end of the lesson.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5′): Students list the group number and typical ion charge for Na, Cl and Al on sticky notes.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10′): Review group numbers, valence electrons and the metal‑loss/non‑metal‑gain rule using a slide of the simplified periodic table.
  3. Guided practice (12′): Work through the “How to Predict the Ion Charge” steps together with three new examples (Mg, S, P).
  4. Interactive activity (10′): In pairs, students use element cards to match groups with the correct charge and justify their choice.
  5. Check for understanding (5′): Quick quiz on Kahoot/exit‑ticket – match element to charge.
  6. Plenary (3′): Teacher summarises the key relationship and answers any lingering questions.
Conclusion:
Recap that the magnitude of an ion’s charge equals the number of electrons lost or gained, which is directly linked to the element’s group number. Students complete an exit ticket matching additional elements to their charges, and homework is a short worksheet extending the pattern to other main‑group elements.